Best Cricut machines, from Joy 2 and Joy Xtra to Maker 5

What the listing offers

• Lowest price of the full-size Cricuts here while keeping the 12 in (30.5 cm) cutting width.
• Print Then Cut works with a home inkjet printer for full-color stickers and decals, according to the listing.
• Bluetooth connection to Design Space on mobile or desktop, with guided design flows and templates.

Limits to know

• Works with six tools, not the Maker's larger set, so no engraving or debossing for leather and wood.
• The listing gives no maximum material thickness, so check before planning chipboard or thick craft foam.

What the listing offers

• Listing states 3 mm cutting for thicker materials like leather and foam core board, plus engraving on metal and acrylic.
• Works with 13 tools to cut, engrave, write, foil, score and deboss, and has a new snap-in pen holder.
• Essential Bundle includes the Scoring Tool, Engraving Tool and materials the listing says cover up to 65 projects.

Limits to know

• Specialty tools beyond those in the bundle are sold separately, so the full 13-tool range costs extra.
• The listing does not state how it connects to your phone or computer; check the product page before buying.

What the listing offers

• Listing names leather, wood, vinyl, iron-on and cardstock among 300+ supported materials.
• Bundle includes a materials sampler with matless vinyl and matless heat transfer vinyl to try right away.
• Print Then Cut works with most inkjet printers for full-color stickers, per the listing.

Limits to know

• Only the Fine-Point Blade comes in the box, so engraving and debossing tools must be bought separately.
• Cut width, thickness limit and connection type are not stated in this listing.

What the listing offers

• Title lists 10X cutting force and leather among the 300+ materials it cuts.
• Matless Smart Materials allow one image up to 12 ft long, or repeated cuts up to 75 ft, per the listing.
• Compatible with 13+ tools to cut, score, write, deboss and engrave.

Limits to know

• An older generation priced near the Maker 5 bundle here, so value depends on finding a lower price.
• The listing does not state cut width, thickness limit or how it connects.

What the listing offers

• Print Then Cut with most inkjet printers, which the original small Joy machines did not cover.
• Kit includes a StandardGrip mat, Smart Vinyl sampler, a 9.5 in x 20 ft transfer tape roll and a 5-piece tool set.
• Small machine suited to a desk for decals, labels and simple iron-on projects.

Limits to know

• Works with 50+ materials versus 300+ on the Makers, and the listing does not mention scoring.
• Cut width is not stated, so check that your largest shirt or decal design fits before you buy.

What the listing offers

• Works with 75+ materials, more than the Joy Xtra's stated 50+, and adds scoring for cards.
• Rainbow Essentials bundle includes Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On, cardstock, insert cards and printable vinyl.
• Bluetooth connection to Design Space on a phone or computer, according to the listing.

Limits to know

• Built for quick everyday projects, so it is not the machine for large shirt backs or thick materials.
• The listing does not state the cut width or thickness limit.

What the listing offers

• Cuts Smart Vinyl, Smart Iron-On and Smart Paper Sticker Cardstock without a mat, up to 12 ft long.
• Premium Fine-Point Blade handles cardstock, vinyl, iron-on, glitter paper, cork and bonded fabric, per the listing.
• Bluetooth connection with Design Space on iOS, Android, Windows and Mac.

Limits to know

• Priced above the newer Explore 5 Essential Bundle in this comparison, which makes it hard to recommend.
• No cut width, thickness limit or tool count is stated beyond the included blade.